Mochi cookies are a traditional Japanese treat made with rice flour, featuring an irresistibly chewy texture. They may be flavored with green tea, matcha, or red bean paste and come in various shapes and sizes.
If you're curious to learn more about these delicious cookies and want to discover everything there is to know about them, read on for all your answers!
What Are Traditional Mochi Cookies?
Mochi cookies have been around for centuries in Japan.
While the exact origins of these treats remain unknown, they are believed to have originated during the Heian period (794-1185).
They were made with glutinous rice flour and water, then formed into a dough and small balls.
After being steamed or boiled, these treats could be coated in soybean powder or sweet bean paste for extra flavor.
Mochi cookies evolved to include ingredients like sugar, eggs, milk, butter, and baking powder.
This resulted in a softer cookie similar to Western-style cookies.
Now, they remain trendy throughout Japan and come in various flavors.
Ingredients of Mochi Cookies
Mochi cookies and glutinous rice flour contain sugar, eggs, milk, butter, baking powder, and sometimes fruit or nuts.
The proportions of these ingredients depend on the recipe; some call for more milk for a softer dough that's easier to work with; other cooks might reduce sugar if they want a savory rather than sweet mochi cookie.
Popular Mochi Cookie Flavors
Green tea is one of the most beloved classic mochi cookie flavors, featuring matcha powder for an earthy yet sweet taste that balances perfectly with coffee or chocolate.
Other traditional flavors include vanilla, strawberry, and coffee.
Unique Mochi Cookie Flavors
They have recently grown increasingly popular in Japan and the United States.
Now, many bakeries and cafes offer creative flavors of mochi cookies such as matcha latte, black sesame, Earl Grey tea, lavender, and rosewater.
Mochi Cookies Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sweet rice flour (mochiko)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup milk
- One large egg
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
Preparation:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, milk, and vanilla extract and beat until thoroughly combined.
- Whisk together all-purpose flour, sweet rice flour, and salt in a separate bowl.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ones, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Start by scooping or spooning tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Conclusion
They are delicious, soft, and chewy - a unique twist on traditional cookies sure to please anyone who tries them.
Whether you prefer them filled with chocolate or matcha, flavored with cinnamon or lavender, or want something different, mochi cookies offer great rewards.
So indulge your curiosity - the world of mochi cookies awaits - you won't be disappointed!
